Murder investigation launched after child's death in California, authorities say

LOS ANGELES (TND) — A homicide investigation is underway after a child was found dead in Palmdale, which is a California city, authorities announced Thursday.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the child's father, 29-year-old Schaffer Grindstaff, was arrested in connection to the case. Charges include accessory to conceal a crime and child endangerment.

In a news release, the sheriff's department said deputies from Palmdale Sheriff’s Station responded to a scene after dispatchers received a call Wednesday morning about a child who was not breathing.

"When deputies arrived on scene, they contacted the father of the child who stated his young son suddenly began suffering from a medical emergency at the park," the sheriff's office said.

Authorities said he child, a boy, was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

"The cause of death at this time is unknown and will be determined by the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner," according to the release.

The sheriff's office said the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Investigators continue to investigate. The department urged anyone who has information about the child's death to call detectives at 323-890-5500.

To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store, or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uLbAnKuvZpOkunC6xLCqaKaRqbawuoywpquklGS6tr7DnqlmoZ6rsrTAyKCYraGfo3qtrdSnmqGdlGKup8DEq2ScoJmhsbR5w56YraBdnrtur8CloJ%2BnoqO2onnArquhp6Kewaqx0maqmrFdnbyutcKim55lm565rbHDZpqroZ2aeqet06Gcq2WRp7%2Bmv9Oem2adnpmur7PEq6SepqRiuqawyJyYpWWVorKzs8SnmrJloJa5rrDApZxmq5iav6qyxaxkrKyRqbawuoylpqxlkaO0prjErGSdnaSasLW11Z6q